Care of Balinese Cats

Balinese cats are lovable and playful companion pets that are relatively easy to care for. According to the Cat Fancier's Association, Balinese cats are the result of a spontaneous long-haired mutation of the Siamese cat . They tend to be every bit as demonstrative of their affection as Siamese, although a bit less vocal. Learning the care for Balinese cats is easy.

  1. Behavior

    • Catproof your living space before inviting a Balinese into your home. Balinese are extremely intelligent and curious creatures, so if there is a way to climb upon something, mess with something, play with something, or otherwise abuse or manipulate something, a Balinese cat will figure it out and do it with gusto. No amount of chastising will cure this natural curiosity and spirit of adventure, so a good pet owner will simply keep such temptations out of sight and out of mind of their Balinese. They are also very playful and love toys that require a bit of thinking on their part; a simple ball of yarn will be ignored if there is a more complicated toy around, such as a toy mouse inside a plastic ball or even a wad of aluminum foil with something rattling inside. Balinese also crave direct interaction with their owners and will vocalize their need for energetic play and accompany their pleas with head butts and deep staring that is hard to ignore. Children tend to like Balinese a lot since they can equal their energy pounce for pounce. Remember, a bored Balinese is an unhappy Balinese.

    Health

    • Spay or neuter your Balinese as soon as you can, and get all the shots and inoculations required of any domesticated cat breed. The average lifespan for a Balinese is the same for any cat---up to 20 years with a bit of luck and love---so regular check-ups and updates on their shots can ensure a happy life. As they are very smart cats and naturally curious, Balinese should be kept as indoor pets to prevent them from getting into trouble. They are lithe animals who can easily squeeze themselves into interesting spaces that can be dangerous for them, plus they are prone to wander and seek out adventure. Like Siamese cats, Balinese are susceptible to upper respiratory infections, so sniffles and sneezes should be taken seriously. High-quality food should also be used that offers complete nutrition.

    Grooming

    • Groom a Balinese cat on a regular basis, which is a task made easy by the lack of thick undercoat found in other cats like the Persian. The hair of a Balinese does not usually mat like other cats, but a regular brushing can prevent any evidence of shedding from your home. Plus, Balinese love the attention and direct interaction provided by a good brushing from their owner. Start regular grooming when your Balinese is a kitten to ensure their familiarity with brushes, and make sure their food is of high-quality for a shiny coat. Balinese are good groomers and generally tidy, but if they get into something very interesting---and smelly---simply bathe them in warm water with a gentle shampoo made specifically for cats.